Tag: Jesus

Most Remarkable Weekend

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Was Jesus inconsistent? This used to bother me. Jesus was so strong and “in control” throughout his life[1], but then seems to go limp and weak the last day or two in Jerusalem. He lost all fight. Becomes a “lamb being led to the slaughter.” Offers no resistance, no fight, not even a cry for help! I say this used to bother me, it doesn’t anymore, because with further study I learned something startling. [2]

Jesus was an accessory[3] to his own murder![4]

Could this be? Was Jesus involved in the plot to have himself murdered? Read on!

Jesus many times predicted the events of his arrest, trial, and murder. He knew “in detail” what needed to happen. “‘Listen,’ he said, ‘we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified.’” (Matt 20:18-19, see also Matt 16:21; 17:22; 26:1-2).

He not only predicted it, he purposely infuriated the religious leaders and forced their hand to do it! “When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done [removed corruption from inside the temple], they began planning how to kill him.” (Mark 11:18). “The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them– they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” (Mark 12:12).

A slight problem

Yes, there was a problem. Jesus stated the time that his crucifixion must take place. “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” (Matt 26:2). Jesus played his cards right, but the powers in charge were weak and scared. They were afraid to do it during the Passover feast, because too many people were around. “At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. ‘But not during the Passover celebration,’ they agreed, ‘or the people may riot.’” (Matt 26:3-5).

This murder had to happen on the Passover;[5] the leaders wanted to wait until afterwards, so Jesus worked on the one option that could speed things up: If the leaders could arrest Jesus without creating a commotion (i.e., with no one around to create a fuss), then they could try-and-condemn him in private, twist the arm of the governor to allow crucifixion, then they could have him on a cross on “skull-mountain” before most people realized what was happening.[6]

So, Jesus egged Judas to do the dirty work.

  1. Jesus upset him by correcting him in front of the others (and even in front of a woman!).[7] “But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, ‘That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.’ … Jesus replied, ‘Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’” (John 12:4-8).
  2. Jesus made the secret plot public. “While they were eating, he said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.’ Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, ‘Am I the one, Lord?’” (Matt 26:21-22). And he even revealed the perpetrator. “Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, ‘Rabbi, am I the one?’ And Jesus told him, ‘You have said it.’” (Matt 26:25).
  3. He even prompted the betrayer, when the time was right, and sent him off on his dastardly mission. “When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, ‘Hurry and do what you’re going to do.’” (John 13:27).

Priests Turned into Puppets

The Israelite nation was captive to the nation of Rome, but the people were led by the Chief Priests and the Great Sanhedrin (a religious and legislative body). There were sometimes severe conflicts between the Jewish leaders and the Roman appointed leaders, but the Sanhedrin often got its way because the Jewish people were so religions and loyal. It was a great honor and responsibility to be a member of the Sanhedrin.

Jesus manipulated and goaded these esteemed leaders.

  1. He answered their “difficult” questions leaving them stunned (Mat. 21:23-27; 22:15-22, 23-33).
  2. He posed questions the leaders were unable to answer (Mat. 22:41-46; 26:55-56).
  3. He told parables describing the leaders’ duplicity (read Mat. 21:33-46). “When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them–they were the wicked farmers. They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.” Mat. 21:45-46.
  4. He publicly scorched these proud peacocks, detailing their hypocrisy in vivid detail. “Everything they do is for show” (v. 5). “You shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces.” (v. 13). “You cross land and sea to make one convert, and they you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!” (v. 15). “Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs — beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.” (v. 27). “Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?” (v. 33).

The Lion becomes a Lamb

By deliberate choice (in obedience to His Father), Jesus changed his Modus operandi at the appropriate time.

No one could state this better than Prophet Isaiah: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away … He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal, he was put in a rich man’s grave.” Isa. 53:7-9.

He did this with eyes wide open and in full agreement with the Father: “But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.” Isa. 53:8-9.

Given the chance to defend himself and thereby escape death, [note how capable Jesus was in winning any argument] he kept silent. Jesus did not resist his death, because his murder was the very thing he knew needed to happen.

This is incredible. The Sanhedrin that condemned him to death, the Roman officials who authorized it (Pilot and Herod), the crowds who shouted for his crucifixion, and even the Roman soldiers who carried it out were all merely pawns in his hands. They were carrying out the plan long ago agreed upon by Father and Son in eternity. Rev. 13:8b.

Yes, Jesus was an accessory to his own murder. His death was not a surrender. Satan did not win a victory. He died entirely voluntarily. He did so, just like he lived his life, not for himself, but for those he loved. This includes you and everyone in your life.

This is the Jesus we love, worship and obey. This is the Jesus for whom we can invest everything – to know HIM better, to appreciate more fully, to love totally each day of our lives.

[1] Consider this. Alone, without food for 40 days, weakened in body, he overcame Satan’s cleverest of temptations. No one was able to compromise him. Mat. 4:1-11.

[2] The concepts behind this chapter were inspired by the following words penned by Philip Yancey. “The might of the world, the most sophisticated religious system of its time allied with the most powerful political empire, arrays itself against a solitary figure, the only perfect man who has ever lived. Though he is mocked by the powers and abandoned by his friends, yet the Gospels give the strong, ironic sense that he himself is overseeing the whole long process. He has resolutely set his face for Jerusalem, knowing the fate that awaits him. The cross has been his goal all along. Now, as death nears, he calls the shots.” The Jesus I Never Knew, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1995. p. 188.

[3] In legal terms, the word “accessory” means “someone who is instrumental in making a crime take place.”

[4] The High Priests and Sanhedrin were guilty of murder to the first degree, “To intentionally plot and cause the death of an innocent person.”

[5] The Divine plan and schedule.

[6] They were fixated on getting rid of their greatest irritation but had to navigate (and manipulate) the Roman “authorities.” Once Jesus was on the cross early in the morning, they had the upper hand over the common people. The visual effect of seeing their “son of David” in a horrible state on the cross was more than enough to cause the crowds to lose all hope in their “would-be” Messiah.

[7] Men were rather inflated back then.

The Aftermath

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Perhaps you can relate. [i]

Do you feel battered and bruised? Perhaps splintered? Like you are dragging half of yourself behind you as you “will” the other half to slog forward? Do you feel smaller, weaker, clumsier, dumber, slower than you did 12 months ago? Out of 62 years of life, 2020 was easily my most difficult.

Many of us experienced irretrievable loss – death of family and friends.

Some of us suffered new physical difficulties: Losing two senses–taste and smell–for the first time ever, wondering if/when they might return.[ii] Also, aches and pains in the joints that last for months, and still not sure they are gone.

Then there are the inner battles, the mind, emotions, our inner “soul and spirit” battling discouragement, fatigue, doubts about ourselves and are abilities to cope going forward. Mental health issues are more real and immediate and consequential than perhaps we had seen before. Welcome to this side of life!

And the struggles are far from done. Battles rage on. So, calling this the “aftermath” is not so accurate. But we also need to trust, to believe, that we are moving toward the end of this storm.

Can I suggest that this is a good time to Hear Divine Words?

Quite the nice promise here:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT.

Perhaps it is hard to picture solace or peace as a genuine possibility. Negative, debilitating thoughts have moved in and set up house. Dark questions, waves of doubt, have clamped down and are difficult to dispel. Mental fatigue has become the norm. What can be done?

If you haven’t learned this yet, it is time to learn it now: No human being can be healthy and well “in and of themselves.” We are not fashioned to be self-sufficient, to waltz happily “on our own.” Human beings are designed by our Masterful Creator to need one another and to need HIM. Dependance is not weakness. Needing others and being needed by them is the only way to thrive.[iii] It has taken me many decades to really see this.[iv] 

Jacob in the Bible is a case study on learning dependence. His encounter with God (Gen. 32) left him limping, but on the right trail.

Deity promises “perfect peace” to all who depend upon Him; to those who “fixate their thoughts” on Him.

Let’s encourage one another on this path and rejoice together with the results. “Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Phi. 4:6-7 NLT.

N.B. The picture is of the “farmers market” in our town of Wewak, Papua New Guinea. Come for a visit when travel opens up again!

[i] But aftermath is not the correct word here, because we are clearly still caught in the “math.”

[ii] If you don’t know what this is like, be thankful. Here you are, chewing your favorite food and “bang” the realization comes. You know what it should taste like, but your taste buds are mummified. The only sense left in your mouth is the sense of touch. Your tongue and cheeks can “feel” the food, but that is the only “enjoyment” you can grasp for. Texture and perhaps temperature is all you feel, meal after meal after meal.

[iii] In all the stories about Jesus, in the Bible he depended on other people to meet his needs for food, shelter, etc. See Luke 8:3.

[iv] There is a book with a strange sounding title that I would like to read but haven’t been able to afford it, the title is Jesus and John Wayne. It must deal with things like this.

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Brief Words on Mother’s Day

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I once asked an adult Sunday School class, “What is the saddest verse in the Bible?” A dear lady, Lucia Schwartz, quickly gave her answer, “Mother, behold your son.” I had something else in mind, but nor could I argue with her choice. Can we spend a minute thinking about Jesus and his mother?

Thoughtful beyond compare

Mary had been told that because of Jesus, a “sword” would pierce her very soul (Luke 2:34-35). The fulfillment of this statement took place as she witnessed the horror of her perfect son beaten, dirty, bloody, naked, nailed to a cross reserved for the worst criminals.  What could cause more pain!

“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister … and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). 

Jesus, in the midst of exhaustion and terrible pain (let alone the utter shame and humility of being in such a position), was able to think of the welfare of his dear mother.

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.”  And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27).

This shows at least two things: 1, Jesus possessed a strength of character that is awesome to behold. 2, Love was/is an inescapable part of His being – Even the worst circumstances anyone has ever faced could not stop Him from displaying acts and words of love.[1]  What a Man!  What a Son!

Let’s honor mothers, all mothers, especially today. They deserve it every day.

[1] It also shows how he valued relationships over “ministry”. John’s apostolic ministry would be restricted by this responsibility of caring for his elderly “mother.” But Jesus, and his Father, places top priority on caring for others.  It was proper for Jesus to place his mother in the care of his closest, most trusted and understanding friend (some friends stick close than a brother).

The Champion

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Amidst darkness, confusion, and uncertainty, who do you want with you as you enter the new year?  May I offer a suggestion? Let’s go with the CHAMPION!

The newly announced “Beloved Son of God”[1] was handed over to the Diabolical One.[2]

Jesus … was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days. Luke 4:1-2.

Understand! This adversary is a thoroughly venomous, maniacal, self-consumed “hater of God” (and all that is good). His hatred burned especially toward God’s perfect Son.

There must have been parameters set by God, as we find he did regarding Job (Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6). But Diabolos was given 5 ½ weeks to wear Jesus down, emaciate him, and hit him hard from every angle.

We can read about the final three attacks that took place on the 40th day.

First of all, think for a minute what was required for this 40-day fast to happen.  Jesus had to be super healthy: physically, mentally and spiritually. It is possible for people to fast for 40 days or more, but it is an extremely rare – and very fit person – who can handle it.  Jesus was fit, strong and disciplined.[3] 

Imagine being alone for 40 days.  No conversations.[4] No stories, jokes, news, no media, nothing.  It is a rare person who can handle such isolation, let alone when accompanied by 40 days without food.  Add to this a hostile environment: Rugged, barren, burning during the day, cold during the nights.  Hyena’s howling, scorpions hiding, vipers brooding… Jesus was put through a real test![5]  

The curious, active mind we catch a glimpse of at age 12[6] certainly didn’t shut down during these 40 days of testing.  He had no scrolls to read.  No newspaper deliveries, no sports magazines.  Oh yes, and no social media. But he no doubt had a disciplined regimen of meditation which he followed through that long period of time.  He knew large contents of the Old Testament by rote and could work progressively through chapter and verse as he meditated on such grand things as his identity, his mission, and of course, the character and grace of His Father.

This was an opportune time to think through all these things.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

Note: Satan’s challenge (If you are the Son of God) is directly related to perhaps the last words Jesus had heard spoken (from heaven 40 days earlier), “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

There is strong innuendo in the Tempter’s question/statement/challenge: “That Father of yours has forgotten all about you! He doesn’t respect you enough to treat you the way you deserve!  Why should the “Son of God” be left destitute like this?  Do something about it!  Assert yourself!  Here’s some stones, at least make yourself some bread to eat!”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 

Jesus directly answered the innuendo. “I’m doing just fine!  My Father is supplying exactly what I need.  I am being fed, morning through night, on the bread of life, my Father’s word.  I am not looking for some silly bread to eat.  When my body absolutely needs it, I can trust my Father to provide in whatever way he chooses.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 

We don’t know the mechanics involved, but the sudden relocation from the barren, desolate no-mans-land of Judea to a high point overlooking the big city of Jerusalem had to have been a shock to Jesus’ already depleted system!  Visual stimulation, noise, smells, humans!  Internally, emotionally, Jesus could not have been prepared for this sudden and dramatic change.

and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off”

And did Satan encourage that jumping by standing him right on the edge, with a strong unsteady wind (and even rain?) blowing at his back?  Did he leave him in that dangerous position for a long time?  Did he time it so that crowds of people were down there waiting?  We don’t know. But in his weakened physical and emotional state Jesus must have been dizzy, somewhat confused, and groping for help in knowing what to do.

The Tempter continues, “…For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 

The innuendo is again almost deafening: “So you say the word of God is all that is important to you.  Why don’t you show the whole world how much you trust in that word.  Jump!  God says he will catch you.  Let’s see how much you trust him!”  (Satan is wily).

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” 

This answer of Jesus is most clever.  He didn’t just extract a scripture text to answer the situation, he addresses the very heart of Satan’s challenge.  “I don’t need to prove that I trust God’s word.  I trust my Father implicitly – always have and always will.  For me to jump here is totally unnecessary, it would be a lack of faith on my part, it would be a “test” of God. That is unbelief, not faith.” (Consider Gideon in Judges 6:36-40).

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain

Another sock to the system.  Another sudden change of environment, climate, stimulation.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Evil One took his time here (as well as on the temple).  Why should he hurry?   This was his chance to get the upper hand.  Let Jesus feel the cold.  His emaciated body with no resistance; shivering, shaking, looking for warmth and protection. 

and showed him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory.  

I would think Satan started this diabolical video presentation with scenes of warmth, comfort, hot freshly-cooked food, (even if the video didn’t come complete with smells – and I wouldn’t put it past him to provide such a thing – Jesus’ human system would add the smells, the sounds, and create the cravings that Satan aimed for).  Satan is cruel, vicious, vindictive.  He was raving mad at being defeated twice already.  There is nothing good about him.  He had no mercy on our Lord.  After racking Jesus’ system with such sights and sounds and smells as would make any of us go mad in that situation, he must have continued to show wealth, comfort, opulence, and companionship, with the message being “join me and you will never suffer again!”

“I will give it all to you,” he said,

Innuendo: “Unlike your neglectful father, who raised your hopes at Jordan only to abandon you, I, yes I, will give you all of this.  You will never be short of food, clothes, and companionship ever again. No more suffering for you! The whole world is mine and I give it all to you for one small price.”

“…if you will kneel down and worship me.” 

The Tempter has given his best shot.  He weakened Jesus as much as he possibly could.  He offered him all that he could deliver, and packaged it in the best way.  The future of the universe now laid in the hands of the second Adam.  The first Adam was the one who handed control of the world over to Satan in the first place (1 John 5:19), Jesus is being asked to accept that ownership as legitimate.  Something that even in his tortured, weakened, very vulnerable state Jesus was not willing to do.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”  Then the devil went away,

Do we appreciate what a great victory this was?  God allowed these 40 days for Satan to test Jesus.  Satan used all that was in his power to break him down, weaken him, and set him up for the fall.  Satan had witnessed starving Esau give up his birthright for a bowl of soup (Gen 25:29-34).  He arranged for Jesus to get more physically and emotionally desperate than Esau ever was, then he pumped him with visual stimuli to whip up all sorts of cravings, and then he offered Him far, far more than soup.  Satan tried his very best to bribe Him, to crack Him, but he failed totally, and had to leave in shame and rage.

and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Why the angels?  This shows how weakened and needy Jesus had become.  His very life was on the line.  He was in desperate need of help, of warmth, nourishment, and rest (Psa. 91:9-16).  Satan left him up there on the mountain.  Why should he have done otherwise?  But as soon as Jesus completed the test, God sent Him the help He needed (as he did with Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5-8, and countless other heroes through the ages and around the world).  This victory was no small accomplishment on Jesus’ part.  It exhausted Him, brought him near death.  But Jesus conquered! What a man Jesus is!  If you don’t have the utmost respect for Jesus then you don’t yet really know Him.

We are about to enter a new year. Amidst darkness, confusion, uncertainty,  who do you want to enter the new year with?  I choose Jesus, the champion over all that is contrary to God.

N.B. Lest you get a wrong idea from this story, Jesus was not a loner, he was the ultimate people-person. He will not attach himself to just you. He will give you his full attention, yes. But he will also give his full attention to your family members, your neighbors, the homeless, the widow, the orphan, your rivals or “enemies.” No one can walk with Jesus and not be challenged into massive transformation. The most annoying and obnoxious person in your life is loved by Jesus just as much as you are. You need to love that person too.

[1] Mat. 3:16-17, Luk. 3:21-22.

[2] Briefly described below.

[3] It is very unlikely this was the first time he fasted. Fasting is something that is learned through repeated practice, and Jesus was ready when this very long fast came up.

[4] And Jesus was no introvert. He was a people person in a society of people persons.

[5] If you don’t have the highest respect for Jesus then you really don’t know him. 

[6] Luke 2:46,47.